With Remembrance Day soon here, my thoughts turn to the
families left behind, how widows and fatherless children have to continue with their lives, as well as families who have sadly lost their daughter or wife too. Let’s also remember the injured soldiers maimed for life.
I shall be spending some long overdue time today with the wonderful people at Headway Cambridgeshire of which I am a trustee. This centre provides valuable rehabilitation for brain injured adults.
This is particularly an appropriate time to remember our servicemen who return home with brain injuries which may not have been detected. Correct diagnosis is crucial.
The American Department of Defense has reported that among the most debilitating wounds are traumatic brain injuries. It is estimated that up to 20% of their soldiers were returning with the a brain injury.
Soldiers who complain of irritability or changes in concentration have been treated for psychiatric problems, rather than neurological issues, says one doctor there. She has recommended that the U.S. military screen all combat soldiers for signs of brain trauma before they return to civilian life. This is an excellent idea.
Our Ministry of Defence has just announced that our troops exposed to explosions in Iraq and Afghanistan are to be checked for brain injury, that they will be sent a questionnaire. I strongly feel we should provide medical screening so our professionals can pick up on the warning signs. Symptoms include memory loss, anxiety and depression. In 90% of cases they disappear within three months, but a correct diagnosis is crucial.
And our injured troops should also get fair compensation. I applaud one mother, Diane Dernie, whose 23-year-old son Lance Bombadier Ben Parkinson, (pic) a paratrooper, sustained multiple injuries in an Afghan mine blast,. She accused the Ministry of Defence of ‘cynically neglecting’ seriously brain-damaged soldiers.
Her fight forced ministers to announce changes to the much-criticised compensation rules this month after she claimed Whitehall officials had ignored pleas to address the rising number of serious brain injuries suffered by other British troops.
Ben lost both legs and suffered multiple injuries including to his brain and spine. His case and the government’s response means he now stands to receive nearly twice the £152,000 originally offered by the Ministry of Defence. Even so, friends are fundraising to buy his mother a suitable house where she can care for him. The maximum military payout is barely half the £500,000 top award for civilian victims of violence such as the 7/7 terror attacks.
Yes, let’s please remember those injured servicemen and their families who need our help today, as well as those who gave their lives fighting for their country.
